JPH0976583A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [PROBLEMS] To select an ejection path according to a residual position of a recording medium such as a sheet to perform an optimal automatic ejection operation without waste. SOLUTION: Sensors 306, 30 in a paper conveyance path
9, 314, 317, 320, 322 detect the presence / absence of residual paper, and based on the detection result, a transport path to be operated to eject the residual paper is selected.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus such as a copying machine having a plurality of recording medium conveying paths.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recent recording apparatuses have a function of detecting the presence or absence of residual paper in the machine when the recording apparatus is initialized, such as when the power is turned on, when the door is closed, or when a reset command is received. . Further, it also has a control means for automatically discharging the residual paper inside the machine detected at such initial setting. Particularly in a recording apparatus having a plurality of paper feed units and paper ejection units, the paper conveyance unit becomes complicated, and it may be difficult for the user to treat the residual paper in the machine. Is an effective way to reduce the load on the user.

Conventionally, in such a recording apparatus, the operation of automatically discharging the residual paper is set uniformly regardless of the residual position of the residual paper, and a predetermined paper conveyance path is provided. It is designed to be discharged through. The operation time for the discharge is uniformly set to the maximum time required for discharging the remaining paper at the farthest position.

[0004]

However, in the case of such a conventional recording apparatus, since the paper discharge path is uniformly set regardless of the residual position of the residual paper, the paper is conveyed. Depending on the length of the path, the automatic paper discharge time of the residual paper inside the machine will inevitably become long. Also, for example, if the paper conveyance motor is used together with the photosensitive drum drive motor, the photosensitive drum rotates even while the paper is being discharged, and the problem of drum scraping cannot be ignored, and this greatly affects its life. I will end up. Further, if the time for automatically discharging the remaining paper in the machine is long, the power consumption increases accordingly, and since the recording operation cannot be shifted to during the automatic paper discharge, the user also has to wait.

Further, when an optional paper discharge device is connected, the paper discharge path for the paper including the residual paper inside the machine becomes more complicated. If the remaining paper inside the machine is discharged to a normal paper discharge unit, for example, a bin in a sorter, the user may not be aware that the illegal paper is mixed with the recorded paper. May impair the reliability of the.

Further, since the conveying path forming the discharge path of the residual paper is discharged without distinction between the upstream side and the downstream side, the residual paper is conveyed from the upstream side when the downstream side is not in a conveyable state. In this case, the residual paper may be jammed on the downstream side, which may cause damage to devices such as a sorter located on the downstream side.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus which can select an ejection path according to the remaining position of a recording medium such as a sheet and perform an optimum automatic ejection operation without waste.

Another object of the present invention is to reliably discharge the residual recording medium through the discharge path, and when a plurality of residual recording media are present, to discharge them promptly in a lump. It is to provide a recording device capable of performing the above.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises a plurality of conveyance paths capable of conveying a recording medium, and a conveyance control for selectively operating the conveyance paths to control the conveyance direction of the recording medium. A recording device for recording on a recording medium in the conveying path, a detecting means for detecting a residual position of the recording medium remaining in the conveying path, and a detecting means for detecting by the detecting means. Ejection control means for selecting the transport path according to the remaining position of the recording medium that has been ejected and ejecting the residual recording medium by the transport path.

The recording apparatus of the present invention performs the optimum automatic ejection operation without waste by selecting the ejection path according to the remaining position of the recording medium in the apparatus. Also,
By simultaneously selecting the plurality of transport paths, the automatic discharge of the plurality of remaining recording media is completed in a short time.

Further, when an optional ejecting device is connected to the recording apparatus, by selecting a specific ejecting portion of the ejecting device as the ejecting position of the remaining recording medium, illegal paper or the like remains. The recording medium is prevented from being mixed with the recorded recording medium.

Further, when the remaining recording medium is discharged, the upstream side and the downstream side of the discharge path are separated, and the upstream side is carried on the condition that the downstream side is in a transportable state. , Performs automatic ejection operation without difficulty.

Further, when there are a plurality of remaining recording media, they are conveyed to a predetermined position and then ejected in a lump so that they are ejected quickly from a common ejection path.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 4 are views for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the structure of the recording apparatus 301 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, 30
Reference numeral 4 denotes an upper deck, 302 denotes a lower deck, and the reversing roller 318 and the double-sided conveying roller 321 constitute a double-sided conveying mechanism. The paper fed from the upper deck 304 or the lower deck 302 in the direction of arrow A or B first turns on the paper feed sensor 306, and is further conveyed by the paper feed conveyance roller 307 to detect the pre-registration sensor 309.
After turning on, a predetermined loop is formed at the position of the registration roller 310 and stands by. After that, the sheet is conveyed again in the direction of arrow C by a synchronization signal from a controller (not shown), and the photosensitive drum 311, the fixing roller 312,
The fixing paper ejection sensor 313 is turned on via the fixing paper ejection roller 314. If double-sided printing is designated by a controller (not shown), the double-sided flapper 315
Is operated, the sheet passes the reversing sensor 317 from the direction of arrow D, and is reversed by the reversing roller 318. The sheet is further fed with the first double-sided conveyance roller 319, the double-sided sensor 320, and the second double-sided conveyance roller 32 from the direction of arrow E.
1 and is again fed by the sheet feeding / conveying roller 307 to the arrow C.
Paper is re-fed in the direction.

On the other hand, when a face-up (hereinafter abbreviated as "FU") sheet discharge is designated by a controller (not shown), the FU flapper 316 operates and the sheet is
The FU roller 324 discharges the FU tray in the direction of arrow F. Further, when the face-down (hereinafter, abbreviated as “FD”) is designated, the sheet is the FD ejection sensor 32.
2. The sheet is discharged to the FD tray from the direction of arrow G through the FD sheet discharge roller 323.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the drive circuits and sensor input circuits of the drive units of the paper transport mechanism shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, 401 is a ROM,
One-chip microcomputer with built-in RAM (hereinafter,
(Abbreviated as "CPU"). Further, 402 to 407 are sensor input circuits, each of which is a paper feed sensor signal (hereinafter,
"FEEDS"), sensor signal before register (hereinafter,
"REGS"), fixing paper ejection sensor signal (hereinafter,
"FIXS"), inverted sensor signal (hereinafter "SW"
BKS ”), double-sided sensor signal (hereinafter“ DUP ”)
"S"), FD paper ejection sensor signal (hereinafter "POUT"
"S") is input to the CPU 401.

Reference numeral 408 denotes a drive circuit for rotating the main motor 416, which is a drive signal (hereinafter referred to as "M") from the CPU 401.
"MD"). The main motor 416 includes a sheet feeding / conveying roller 307, a registration roller 310, a photosensitive drum 311, a fixing roller 312, a fixing and discharging roller 314,
And the FD paper discharge roller 323 is rotated. 409 is
The CPU 401 is a drive circuit of a paper feed motor 417 that rotates the upper paper feed roller 305 and the lower paper feed roller 303.
A drive signal (hereinafter referred to as "FEEDMD") is input from. 410 is a reversing roller 318, a double-sided conveying roller 3
21 is a drive circuit of the reversing motor 418 for rotating 21
A drive signal (hereinafter referred to as "SWBKMD") is input from the CPU 401. Reference numeral 411 denotes an electromagnetic clutch 4 that transmits the driving force of the main motor 416 to the sheet feeding / conveying roller 307.
19 is a drive circuit and receives a drive signal (hereinafter referred to as “FEEDCLD”) from the CPU 401. 412
Drives the driving force of the main motor 416 to the registration roller 31.
0 is a drive circuit of the electromagnetic clutch 420 which transmits to
A drive signal (hereinafter referred to as “REGCLD”) is input from the PU 401. Reference numeral 413 is a drive circuit of the solenoid 421 that operates the double-sided flapper 315, and the CPU 40
A drive signal (hereinafter referred to as “DUPSLD”) is input from 1. Reference numeral 414 is a drive circuit of the solenoid 422 that operates the FU flapper 316, and inputs a drive signal (hereinafter referred to as “FUSLD”) from the CPU 401. Four
Reference numeral 15 denotes the driving force of the reversing motor 418 for the double-sided conveyance roller 3
19, 321 is a drive circuit for the electromagnetic clutch 423 that transmits the drive signal from the CPU 401 (hereinafter, referred to as “DUPC”).
Enter "LD").

FIGS. 1 and 2 are flow charts for explaining control by a program written in the ROM of the CPU 401. FIG. 1 shows the residual paper detection process in the machine that is performed at the initial stage of the recording apparatus, such as when the recording apparatus 301 is powered on or when the opening / closing door is closed. The respective drive units shown are simultaneously operated for a predetermined period, and the presence or absence of the sheet is detected by the respective sensors during the operating time as described later. In the following, steps in the flowchart will be indicated by adding S such as S101.

First, in S101 of FIG. 1, a timer for regulating the operation time in which all the drive units of FIG. 4 operate simultaneously is started. In S102, it is determined whether or not this timer has timed out due to the lapse of a predetermined operation time. If it has elapsed, this timer is stopped in S117, and each drive unit is stopped in S118. If the predetermined time has not elapsed in the determination of S102, the operation of each drive unit is continued in S103. Residual paper detection is performed during the operation of each drive unit.

The residual paper detection starts with the detection of the sensor signal FEEDS from the paper feed sensor 306 in S104, that is, the determination of the presence or absence of paper detection by the paper feed sensor 306, and if it detects the presence of paper, In S105, the common paper feed path leading to the registration roller 310 is selected as the automatic paper discharge conveyance path. An example of the position of the residual paper at that time is shown by SA in FIG. In the next step S106, the sensor signal REGS from the pre-registration sensor 309 is detected, and if there is a sheet, the common conveyance path from the registration roller 310 to the fixing paper ejection roller 314 is selected as the automatic paper ejection conveyance path in step S107. In the next step S108, the sensor signal FIXS from the fixing paper discharge sensor 313 is detected.
Like the SB inside, the leading edge of the paper is already FD in the direction of arrow G.
Since there is a possibility that it is facing the paper ejection unit, in S109, F
The FD paper discharge path to the D paper discharge roller 323 is selected. In the next S110, the sensor signal SW from the inversion sensor 317
If BKS is detected and there is paper, the reverse branch point (hereinafter,
The reverse conveyance path is selected in S111 in order to reverse the paper at "AZETA point". In the next step S112, the sensor signal DUPS from the double-sided sensor 320 is detected, and if there is paper, the double-sided conveyance path leading to the paper feed conveyance roller 307 is selected as the automatic paper ejection conveyance path in S113. An example of the position of the residual paper at this time is shown by SC in FIG. In the next step S114, the sensor signal POUTS from the FD discharge sensor 322 is detected.
In step 5, the FD paper ejection path is selected as the automatic paper ejection conveyance path.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the automatic paper discharge process performed after the in-machine residual paper detection process shown in FIG.

First, in S201, an initial value 0 of the automatic paper discharge time T is set in the timer. If no in-apparatus residual paper is detected in the in-apparatus residual paper detection processing of FIG. 1, a value other than 0 is not set to T in the following processing.

In S202, it is determined whether or not the reverse conveyance path is selected in the in-machine residual paper detection processing of FIG. 1, and if it is selected, the paper is reversed at the reverse conveyance time, that is, the AZETA point. From time to the position of the double-sided sensor 320 is set to T (S209). Here, the time t1 is the time required for the reverse conveyance of the maximum size sheet. After that, the processing from S210 to S219 is executed according to the selection contents of the automatic paper discharge conveyance path, and as described later, the drive time of the drive required for discharging the paper is set.

If it is determined in S203 that the double-sided conveyance path is selected, the drive signals SWBKMD and DUPCLD are turned on in S210 and S211 to drive the reversing motor 418 and the electromagnetic clutch 423 for double-sided conveyance. . In S212, the time t2 required to convey the paper from the double-sided sensor 320 to the paper feed sensor 306 is added to T. If it is determined in S204 that the common paper feed path is selected, a drive signal FEEDCLD is output to rotate the paper feed / conveyance roller 307 in S213. Further, in S214, the paper feed sensor 306 to the pre-registration sensor 3
The time t3 required to transport the sheet up to 09 is added to T. If it is determined in S205 that the common transport path is selected, a drive signal REGCLD is output to rotate the registration roller 310 in S215. Then S2
16 is the FU in the direction of arrow F, which is the shortest sheet discharge path
A drive signal FUSLD for operating the FU flapper 316 is output in order to discharge the paper to the tray. Furthermore, S21
At time 7, the time t4 is added to T. Here, at the time t4, the leading edge of the sheet is transferred from the pre-registration sensor 309 to the fixing sheet discharge sensor 31.
It is the time required for the sheet from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the maximum size sheet to pass through the position of the fixing and discharging sensor 313, in addition to the conveyance time until the sheet reaches 3.

Here, in order to judge whether or not the paper can be correctly discharged to the FU tray, the processing is moved to S206. S20
If it is determined in step 6 that the FD output path is selected,
In S207, the drive signal FUSL output in S216.
D is turned off, and the time t5 is further added to T in S208. This time t5 corresponds to the difference in length between the FD discharge path and the FU discharge path, and is added to T, resulting in
The time (t4 + t5) will be added to T. Here, the time (t4 + t5) is the conveyance time until the leading edge of the paper reaches the FD paper ejection sensor 322 from the pre-registration sensor 309, and the position of the FD paper ejection sensor is from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the maximum size paper. It is the time including the time required to pass.

If the FD paper discharge path is not selected in S206, it is determined in S228 whether or not the time is set in the automatic paper discharge time T. If it is 0, automatic paper discharge is not necessary. And the process ends. If it is not 0
In step S218, the drive signal MMD is output to rotate the main motor 416 for automatic paper ejection. And S2
Start the timer for automatic paper ejection time measurement at 19,
In S220, the process waits until the predetermined automatic paper ejection time T elapses. Therefore, the automatic paper discharge operation is continued for the automatic paper discharge time T. After the lapse of the automatic paper discharge time, the detection signals of all the sensors 306 to 322 on the paper conveyance path are read in S221 to S226 to confirm the presence or absence of paper. If any of the sensors 306 to 322 detects the presence of paper, it is determined that the automatic paper ejection has failed.
In step S227, the jam processing is performed and the automatic paper discharge processing ends.

(Second Embodiment) First, the structure of a recording apparatus 301 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the above-described first embodiment, the paper feeding unit is preset in the recording device 301, but in this embodiment, the function as the paper feeding unit is first expanded to the option input device. FIG.
In FIG. 7, reference numeral 701 denotes a sheet feeding device dedicated to the envelope (hereinafter referred to as “envelope feeder”), and the envelope feeding roller 703 feeds the envelope into the main body of the recording device 301. 702
Is a paper sensor on the paper feed path of the envelope. 70
4 is an optional input device (hereinafter, “optional deck”)
It is possible to provide a large-capacity paper feeding device or a multi-deck paper feeding device. Reference numeral 706 is a conveying roller at the final stage of the sheet feeding device 704, and 705 is a conveying roller.
The paper sensor is located on the final conveyance path. These optional devices 701 and 704 have a control unit in the form of a microcomputer (not shown) for controlling each. The CPU 401 (see FIG. 4) of the main body of the recording device 301 exchanges commands and status information with the control unit in the form of a microcomputer using the serial communication function.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of the in-machine residual paper detection processing in this embodiment. Since the outline of the processing is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, only different parts will be described here. In this embodiment, the envelope feeder 70 is added to the configuration of the first embodiment described above.
1. Since the option deck 704 is added, not only the residual paper inside the recording device 301 but also the residual paper inside the envelope feeder 701 and the optional deck 704 are detected. First, serial communication is performed between the CPU 401 and the envelope feeder 701, and if it is determined in S501 that there is a sheet based on the sensor signal ENVS from the envelope sheet feed sensor 702, in S502 the envelope feeder is used as an automatic sheet discharge conveyance path. Select the paper feed path. An example of the remaining state of the sheet (envelope) at that time is shown by DS in FIG.
Similarly, if serial communication is performed with the option deck 704 and it is determined in S503 that paper is present based on the sensor signal OPTDS from the option deck paper sensor 705, an optional automatic paper discharge conveyance path is selected in S504. Select the deck paper feed path. An example of the remaining state of the sheet at that time is shown by SE in FIG.

6 and 7 are flow charts of the automatic paper discharge process in this embodiment. Before the common paper feed path selection determination processing S204 in the above-described first embodiment, S601, S
At 602, it is determined whether the envelope feeder paper feed path or the option deck paper feed path is selected. If so, a paper feed command is sent to the envelope feeder 701 and the option deck 704 by serial communication at S603 and S604. Send and transport the paper. Specifically, the envelope feeder 7
In 01, the envelope feeding roller 703 conveys the envelope as a sheet in the arrow H direction, and in the option deck 704, the conveying roller 706 conveys the sheet in the arrow J direction. The automatic paper ejection time T in such a case is not added here because the paper conveyance time in the envelope feeder 701 and the option deck 704 is short. Further, when residual paper is present in each of the plurality of paper feed / conveyance paths, the maximum paper ejection time out of the paper ejection times required for the plurality of residual paper is set as the automatic paper ejection time T. Then, by simultaneously starting the feeding and feeding, it is possible to collectively discharge the plurality of residual sheets. In steps S701 and S702 in FIG. 7, the detection signals ENVS and OPTDS of the envelope paper feed sensor 702 and the option deck paper sensor 705 are read,
Check for paper.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to sufficiently deal with the optional sheet feeding device.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows the structure of a recording apparatus 301 of this embodiment. The recording device 301 of this example is
In addition to the configuration of the second embodiment described above, an optional output device (hereinafter referred to as “option sorter”) 90
1 is connected. In FIG. 10, 90
Reference numeral 2 denotes a plurality of paper discharge bins, and the paper is distributed to the bins by controlling the transport path switching flapper 902A located at the root of each bin 902. Reference numeral 903 denotes a stacker for discharging illegal paper, and when none of the transport path switching flappers 902A located upstream of the stacker operates, the paper is discharged to this stacker 903. The option sorter 901 has a control unit in the form of a microcomputer (not shown), and exchanges commands and status information by serial communication with the CPU 401 of the recording device 301.

The process of detecting the remaining paper inside the machine is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the automatic paper discharge process in this embodiment, and the flow chart of FIG. 7 continues after S220 of FIG. The above-described second embodiment S216
Then, unless the paper has to be ejected to the FD tray, it is ejected to the FU tray. However, in this embodiment, the option sorter 901 is further connected. , And issues a command to the option sorter 901 to select the illegal sheet ejection stacker 903 using serial communication. Upon receiving such a command, the option sorter 901 discharges the sheet to the illegal sheet discharge stacker 903 when the sheet is detected by an entrance sensor (not shown). If it is determined that the paper will be discharged to the FD tray, the command for selecting the illegal paper discharge stacker 903 is canceled in step S802.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 11 to 13 are views for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

First, the structure of the recording apparatus in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG.
Is an optional input device, and has a lower deck 204 and an upper deck 205. Reference numerals 208 and 209 denote rollers for feeding sheets from the corresponding decks 204 and 205.
210 is a conveyance roller that feeds the paper fed from the decks 204 and 205 into the printer 202, and a paper outlet sensor 211 is arranged on the downstream side of the conveyance roller 210.

Reference numeral 206 is a lower deck installed in the printer 202, and 207 is an upper deck similarly, each having rollers 212 and 213 for paper feeding. A paper feed sensor 214 in the printer 202 detects paper fed from the option input device 201 side and paper fed from the deck 206 and the upper deck 207 on the printer 202 side. Reference numeral 215 denotes a paper feed / conveyance roller that further conveys the fed paper, and feeds the paper at the position of the registration roller 217 until a predetermined loop is formed. Two
Reference numeral 16 is a paper sensor (hereinafter, referred to as “pre-registration sensor”) used to create a loop of the paper.
The registration roller 217 rotates immediately before the image is started on the paper by the photosensitive drum 218, and the paper is passed through the fixing roller 219 and the fixing paper discharge roller 220 to the printer 2
Emission from 02. A paper sensor 221 is located on the most downstream side of the paper conveyance path in the printer 202 and monitors paper ejection.

Reference numeral 203 denotes an optional output device, which detects a sheet discharged from the printer 202 by the entrance sensor 222, takes in the sheet by the conveying roller 223, and then discharges the sheet to one of the designated discharge bins 224. To do.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining the drive circuit of each drive unit of the paper transport mechanism shown in FIG. 3 and the input circuit of the sensor. In FIG. 13, 1301 is
A microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as “CPU”) mounted on a video controller that manages the printer system, processes image data sent from the host, processes commands, and operates the option input device 20.
Microcomputer controlling 1 (hereinafter, "CPU")
1302, a microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as “CPU”) 1303 for controlling the printer engine,
Also, each device is controlled while performing serial communication with a microcomputer (hereinafter, abbreviated as “CPU”) 1304 that controls the optional output device 203.

Reference numeral 1305 denotes a sensor input circuit, which outputs a detection signal from the outlet sensor 211 of the option input device 201 to C
Input to the PU 1302. 1306 is a motor 13 for rotating the carry roller 210 of the option input device 201.
16 drive circuits, which are controlled by drive signals output from the CPU 1302. CPU 1302 is CP
By the paper feed command and the transport command sent from U1301,
Paper to the desired deck 204, 205, 206 or 20
Paper is fed and conveyed from 7.

Reference numerals 1307, 1308, and 1309 denote paper feed sensors 2 located on the conveyance path in the printer 202, respectively.
14, an input circuit of the pre-registration sensor 216, and the fixing paper discharge sensor 221 and inputs detection signals from the corresponding sensors to the CPU 1303. 1310 is the printer 2
02 is a drive circuit of a main motor 1320 that drives all the rollers in 02 and the photosensitive drum 218.
It is controlled by the drive signal output from 3. 131
Reference numeral 1 denotes a drive circuit of a clutch 1321 that transmits the rotation of the main motor 1320 to the paper feed / conveyance roller 215, and C
It is controlled by a drive signal output from the PU 1303. 1312 is a drive circuit of the clutch 1322 that transmits the rotation of the main motor 1320 to the registration roller 217, and is controlled by a drive signal output from the CPU 1303. The CPU 1303 conveys the paper to the option output device 203 according to the conveyance instruction sent from the CPU 1301.

Reference numeral 1313 denotes a sensor input circuit, which detects a detection signal from the entrance sensor 222 of the optional output device 203 by C.
Input to PU1304. 1314 is a motor 13 for rotating the transport roller 223 of the optional output device 203.
24 drive circuits, which are controlled by drive signals output from the CPU 1304. CPU 1304 is CP
The sheet is conveyed from the printer engine according to the conveyance instruction sent from U1301.

FIG. 11 shows the CPU 130 in this embodiment.
6 is a flowchart for explaining the control of No. 1. In the case of this example, the option input device 201 and the printer 20
2. The optional output device 203 is adapted to perform an automatic paper discharge operation based on its own judgment, and the CPU 1301 which has completed the initial setting of the system,
During the warm-up of 203, the status of each device is obtained by serial communication.

First, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the option input device 201 has started the automatic paper discharge operation. If the automatic paper discharge operation is in progress, in step S1104, the printer engine on the downstream side of the conveyance of the option input device 201 is activated. It is determined whether or not it can be transported. If it cannot be transported, an emergency stop command is output to all the devices in S1109. If the printer engine is in a transportable state in S1104, it is determined in S1105 whether the optional output device 203 is transportable. If it cannot be transported, an emergency stop command is output to all the devices in S1109. If the optional output device 203 can be conveyed in step S1105, a sheet conveyance command is output to the printer engine in step S1106. If it is determined in S1102 that the printer engine has started the automatic paper discharge operation, S11
At 07, it is determined whether the optional output device 203 can be transported. If not transportable, S1109
Outputs an emergency stop command to all devices. S11
If the optional output device 203 can be transported in 07,
In step S1108, a paper conveyance command is output to the option output device 203. If it is determined in step S1103 that the option output device 203 is automatically ejecting paper, or if another device is automatically ejecting paper, the operations from S1101 to S1103 are repeated until the operation ends.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 14 shows the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
As an example of the above, the CPU in the above-described fourth example
13 is a flowchart for explaining another control example of 1301.

In the above-described fourth embodiment, each device 20
1, 202, and 203 perform the automatic paper discharge operation according to their respective judgments, but in the present embodiment, the CPUs 1302, 1303, and 13 of the respective devices are compared with the CPU 1301.
The automatic paper ejection request status is output from 04 by serial communication.

First, in the warm-up stage of each device similar to the fourth embodiment, when it is determined in S1401 that the automatic paper output request is issued from the option input device 201 side, the printer engine can be transported in S1404. If it is not possible to carry the sheet and if the CPU 1302 for the printer engine inputs the undeliverable status, the process proceeds from step S1410 to step S1413, the error process is performed, and the control is ended. The untransportable status is a status sent when a paper jam or a failure occurs. The error process in S1413 is a process of notifying the display panel or the host computer that the paper remains in the machine. If the non-conveyance status is not sent in S1410, the process returns to S1404 and waits until the printer engine can be conveyed. When the printer engine can be conveyed in step S1404, the process proceeds to step S1405.
Similarly, in step S1411, it is determined whether or not the optional output device 203 can be transported, and whether or not the untransportable status has been sent.
In 1406, a paper conveyance command is output to the option input device 201 side.

In S1402, it is determined whether or not an automatic paper discharge request has been sent from the printer engine side. if,
If there is a request, similar to S1405 and S1411,
In S1407 and S1412, it is determined whether or not the optional output device 203 is capable of transporting, and whether or not the untransportable status has been sent.
At 1408, a paper conveyance command is output to the printer engine side. In S1403, the optional output device 203
It is determined whether or not an automatic paper discharge request has been received from. if,
If an automatic paper discharge request is received, a paper conveyance command is output to the option output device 203 side in S1409.

In this embodiment, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the paper can be conveyed for each device.
Since the sheet conveyance command is output from 301, it is easy to synchronize the apparatuses, and there is a problem that may occur in the above-described fourth embodiment, that is, the automatic sheet discharge operation start timing of a certain apparatus is too early, and automatic sheet discharge is performed. There are no cases of giving up.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 15 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
As an example of the above, the CPU in the above-described fourth example
13 is a flowchart for explaining still another control example of 1301.

In the above-described fifth embodiment, the CPU 130
1 receives the automatic paper ejection request status from each device, monitors the condition of each device, and outputs a paper conveyance command.
In the present embodiment, the CPU 1301 determines the necessity of automatic paper ejection based on the information of the sensor installed in the paper conveyance path instead of the automatic paper ejection request status from each device, and outputs the paper conveyance command.

First, in S1501, the process waits until all the controlled devices can be transported. If all the devices are not transportable, it is determined in S1522 whether or not an untransportable error status has been sent. If the error status is sent, the error process of S1523 is performed and the control is ended. The content of the error processing is the same as that of the fifth embodiment described above.

In S1502, the option input device 201
It is determined whether or not the exit sensor 211 on the sheet conveyance path detects a sheet, and if it is determined that "no sheet", a sheet conveyance stop command is output to the option input device 201 in S1503, and S1504. Then, the flag that is the notice of paper ejection from the option input device 201 is reset. If it is determined that there is paper in S1502, S
In step 1515, a paper transportation command is output to the option input device 201, in step S1516, a transportation command is output to the printer engine, and in step S1517, a flag that is a paper ejection notice from the option input device 201 is set.
In step S1515, it is determined whether or not the fixing paper ejection sensor 221 located on the most downstream side of the paper transport path of the printer engine detects the paper. If it is determined that "no paper", the printer engine outputs the paper in step S1506. Reset the flag that is the notice of paper ejection. "There is paper" in S1505
If it is determined that the option output device 2
A paper conveyance command is output to 03, and a paper ejection advance flag from the printer engine is set in S1519.

In steps S1507 and S1508, it is determined whether or not the pre-registration sensor 216 and the paper feed sensor 214 on the paper transport path in the printer engine detect the paper.
If none of the sheets has been detected, it is determined in step S1509 whether there is a sheet ejection notice from the option input device 201, and “no notice”, that is, the option input device 20.
If the flag that is the paper ejection notice from 1 is reset, a paper conveyance stop command is output to the printer engine in S1510. "There is paper" in S1507 and S1508
If it is determined that the sheet conveyance instruction is output to the printer engine in step S1520. In step S1511, the entrance sensor 222 installed on the conveyance path of the optional output device 203.
If it is determined that "no paper" is detected, it is determined in step S1512 whether there is a paper ejection notice from the printer engine, and "no notice", that is, the paper ejection from the printer engine is performed. If the flag that is the notice is reset, the option output device 203 is output in step S1513.
A paper transport stop command is output to. If it is determined in step S1511 that “there is paper”, a paper conveyance command is output to the option output device 203 in step S1521.

In step S1514, it is determined whether or not the paper transport stop command is output to all the devices, that is, whether or not the automatic paper ejection is necessary, or whether or not the automatic paper ejection is completed. If paper is being discharged, S1502 to S1513
Is repeated.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the timing of the sheet conveyance to each device can be changed by the sensor information on the sheet conveyance path of the system, so that it is not necessary to drive the motor to wastefully convey the sheet. .

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 16 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a recording device in the example of FIG. In this example, in addition to the configuration of FIG. 12 of the above-described embodiment, a sheet feeding device for envelopes (hereinafter, referred to as “envelope feeder”) 601.
A double-sided transport mechanism for double-sided printing is provided inside the recording apparatus main body 202.

The former envelope feeder 601 sends an envelope to the recording apparatus main body 202 by an envelope paper feed roller 603. A paper sensor 602 is located on the paper feed path.

On the other hand, the latter double-sided transport mechanism is composed of a double-sided flapper 608, a reversing sensor 604, a reversing roller 605, a double-sided transport roller 606, and a double-sided sensor 607. When performing double-sided printing, the double-sided flapper 608 is operated. And feed the paper into the double-sided transport mechanism. As shown by an arrow S in FIG. 16, the sheet passes through the reversing sensor 604 and is reversed by the reversing roller 605, further passes through the double-sided conveying roller 606 and the double-sided sensor 607, and again by the sheet feeding and conveying roller 215. It will be re-fed.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the control system of the recording apparatus of this embodiment. In this example, FIG. 13 of the above-described embodiment is used.
With respect to the above configuration, a microcomputer (hereinafter, abbreviated as “CPU”) 170 that controls the envelope feeder 601.
1. A microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as “CPU”) 1702 for controlling the double-sided transport mechanism is added. The CPU 1301 processes image data sent from the host, processes commands, and executes the option input device 2
01 for controlling 01, CPU 1303 for controlling printer engine, and optional output device 203
While performing serial communication between the CPU 1304 that controls the CPU 1304 and the CPU 1701 that controls the envelope feeder 601, each device is controlled. Further, the CPU 1303 which controls the printer engine controls the double-sided conveyance while performing serial communication with the CPU 1702 which controls the double-sided conveyance mechanism.

Since the in-machine residual detection processing in this embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 5 in the above-mentioned second embodiment, its explanation is omitted.

FIG. 18 shows a flow chart of the automatic paper discharge process when the residual paper inside the machine is detected by the residual paper inside the machine, and the CPU 1301 which has completed the initial setting of the system.
18 obtains in-apparatus residual paper information, that is, detection information of each sensor, by the in-apparatus residual paper detection processing, and performs the automatic paper ejection control of FIG.

First, in S901, the envelope feeder 601.
If there is any residual paper inside the machine, and if there is any residual paper inside the machine, then in S904, it is judged whether or not the printer engine, which is the downstream side of the conveyance of the envelope feeder 601, is in a transportable state. If it is not in the transportable state, an emergency stop command is output to all the devices in S921. If the printer engine is in the transportable state in step S904, it is determined in step S905 whether the optional output device 203 is in the transportable state. If it is not in a transportable state, a residual paper feed command is output to the envelope feeder 601 in S906. The envelope feeder 601
When the residual paper feed command is received, the drive unit is operated (remaining paper feed operation) for the time of paper conveyance from the envelope paper feed sensor 602 to the registration roller 217, and then the operation is stopped. As a result, the residual paper inside the envelope feeder 601 is conveyed to the registration rollers 217. And S90
At 7, the process waits until the residual paper feeding operation of the envelope feeder 601 is completed, and when the residual paper feeding operation is completed, the process proceeds to S902.

In S902, the option input device 201
It is determined whether there is any residual paper inside the machine, and if there is residual paper inside the machine, at S908, the option input device 20
It is determined whether or not the printer engine, which is located downstream of the first conveyance, is in the conveyance possible state. If it is not in a transportable state, an emergency stop command is output to all the devices in S921. If the printer engine is in the transportable state in S908, it is determined in S909 whether the option output device 203 is in the transportable state. If it is not in a transportable state, an emergency stop command is output to all the devices in S921. If the optional output device 203 is in a transportable state in step S909, a residual paper feed command is output to the optional input device 201 in step S910. When the option input device 201 receives the residual paper feed command, the exit sensor 211 of the option input device 201 is received.
To the sheet feeding / conveying roller 215, the drive unit is operated (remaining sheet feeding operation) for the sheet conveying time, and then stopped. As a result, the remaining paper inside the machine of the option input device 201 is
The sheet is conveyed to the sheet feeding / conveying roller 215. Then, in S911, such an option input device 201
The process waits until the remaining paper feeding operation is finished, and when the remaining paper feeding operation is finished, the process proceeds to S912. In S912, a paper conveyance command is output to the option input device 201, and S9
The process proceeds to the printer engine residual paper feed control after 16.

In S902, the option input device 201
If there is no residual paper in the machine, it is determined in S903 whether there is any residual paper in the printer engine. If there is residual paper in the machine, in S913 the optional output device 203
It is determined whether or not is in a transportable state. If it is not in a transportable state, an emergency stop command is output to all the devices in S921.

If the optional output device 203 is in a transportable state in S913, it is checked in S914 whether the pre-registration sensor 216 has detected a sheet at the time of the above-described in-apparatus residual sheet detection processing. If the sensor 216 detects the paper, the process proceeds to S918, and each device (option input device 201, printer 20) that constitutes the system.
2, optional output device 203, envelope feeder 601)
A paper transport command is issued to. If the pre-registration sensor 216 does not detect the paper in S914, the paper feed sensor 21 is detected in S915 at the time of the above-described in-apparatus residual detection processing.
4 checks whether or not the paper is detected, and if the paper feed sensor 214 does not detect the paper, the process proceeds to S918,
A paper transport command is issued to each device that constitutes the system. If the paper feed sensor 214 detects the paper in S915, the process proceeds to S916, and the residual paper feed command is output to the printer engine. When the printer engine receives the residual paper feed command, the printer engine operates the drive unit for the paper conveyance time from the paper feed sensor 214 to the registration roller 217 (remaining paper feed operation) and then stops. This allows
The paper detected by the paper feed sensor 214 is conveyed to the registration roller 217. And S9
At 17, the printer waits for the remaining paper feeding operation of the printer engine to end, and when the remaining paper feeding operation ends, S9
Proceed to 18. In step S918, a sheet conveyance command is output to each device that configures the system, and after waiting for a predetermined automatic sheet ejection time in step S919, the sheet conveyance command is released to each device in step S920 and the processing ends.

By controlling as described above, it is possible to collect the residual paper in the paper feed section of each device in front of the registration roller 215 and to discharge it collectively.

[0069]

As described above, since the recording apparatus of the present invention has a structure in which the discharge path is selected according to the remaining position of the recording medium in the apparatus, the optimum automatic discharging operation without waste. It can be performed. Also, by automatically selecting a plurality of transport paths, it is possible to complete the automatic discharge of the remaining plurality of recording media in a short time. Further, when a photosensitive drum that rotates at the same time as the recording medium is conveyed by the conveying path is used as the recording unit, the deterioration can be reduced.

When an optional ejecting device is connected to the recording device, a specific ejecting portion of the ejecting device is selected as the ejecting position of the remaining recording medium, so that an illegal sheet or the like remains. It is also possible to prevent the recording medium from being mixed with the recorded recording medium.

When the remaining recording medium is discharged, the upstream side and the downstream side of the discharge path are separated, and the upstream side is carried on condition that the downstream side is in a carryable state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the device from being damaged by performing the automatic discharging operation without difficulty.

Further, when there are a plurality of remaining recording media, they are transported to a predetermined position and then discharged in a batch, so that they can be quickly discharged from a common discharge path to save energy. It can also keep noise low.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of in-apparatus residual paper detection in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of automatic paper discharge processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram of a control system in the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure for detecting in-apparatus residual paper according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of automatic paper discharge processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the procedure of automatic paper discharge processing in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of automatic paper discharge processing in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining paper conveyance control according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block configuration diagram of a control system in the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining paper conveyance control in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for explaining paper conveyance control in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire recording apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

17 is a block configuration diagram of a control system in the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining paper conveyance control in the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 301 Recording Device 302 Lower Deck 303 Lower Paper Feed Roller 304 Upper Deck 306 Paper Feed Sensor 307 Paper Feed Conveyor Roller 309 Pre-Registration Sensor 310 Registration Roller 311 Photosensitive Drum 312 Fixing Roller 313 Fixing Ejection Sensor 314 Fixing Ejection Roller 315 Double-sided Flapper 316 FU flapper 317 Reversing sensor 318 Reversing roller 319 First double-sided conveying roller 320 Double-sided sensor 321 Second double-sided conveying roller 322 FD paper ejection sensor 323 FD paper ejection roller

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of transport paths capable of transporting a recording medium, transport control means for selectively operating the transport paths to control the transport direction of the recording medium, and a recording medium in the transport path. In a recording device having a recording means for recording on the recording medium, a detecting means for detecting a residual position of the recording medium remaining in the transport path, and a residual position of the recording medium detected by the detecting means, And a discharge control unit configured to select the transport path and discharge the remaining recording medium by the transport path. 2. The detection means detects the residual position of the recording medium before the recording operation of the recording means is started, and the discharge control means is the residual recording target before the recording operation of the recording means is started. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is ejected. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit detects the residual position of the recording medium after operating the conveying path for a predetermined time. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit has a plurality of sensors that detect the presence or absence of the recording medium in the plurality of conveyance paths. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ejection control unit simultaneously selects a plurality of the transport paths to eject the remaining recording medium. 6. The discharge control means sets the discharge operation time of the recording medium according to the transport path selected for discharging the remaining recording medium. The recording device according to any one of 1 to 5. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge control unit selects a conveyance path that minimizes a discharge path of the remaining recording medium. 8. The plurality of transport paths include a main transport path provided with the recording means, a loading path for loading the recording medium into the main transport path, and a transporting out of the recording medium from the main transport path. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a carry-out path. 9. A plurality of the carry-in paths are provided in accordance with a plurality of recording medium supply units, and the recording medium supplied from each recording medium supply unit is selectively carried into the main transport path, 9. A plurality of carry-out paths are provided corresponding to a plurality of recording medium discharge parts, and the recording medium is selectively carried out from the main transport path to each recording medium discharge part.
The recording device according to 1. 10. The recording medium supply unit includes a supply device that is attached to the main body of the recording apparatus as needed, and the carry-in path is a conveyance path that conveys the recording medium in the supply apparatus. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: 11. The recording medium ejecting section includes an ejecting device which is attached to a main body of the recording apparatus as needed, and the carry-out path is a conveying path for conveying the recording medium in the ejecting apparatus. The method according to claim 9 or 1, characterized in that
The recording device according to 0. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the ejection control unit ejects the remaining recording medium to a specific position of the ejection device. 13. The discharge control means selects a plurality of the transport paths connected to each other for discharging the remaining recording medium, and at the time of discharging the recording medium, an upstream transport path. 13. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording operation is performed on the condition that the downstream conveyance path is in a conveyable state. 14. The plurality of transport paths include a main transport path provided with the recording means, a loading path for loading the recording medium into the main transport path, and a transporting out of the recording medium from the main transport path. Including a carry-out path, the discharge control means selects the carry-in path, the main transport path, and a carry-out path to discharge the remaining recording medium, and when discharging the recording medium, Carry-in route,
The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the upstream side of the main transport path and the transport path are transported under the condition that the downstream side thereof is in a transportable state. 15. The discharge control means, when the detecting means detects a plurality of the remaining recording media, conveys the plurality of recording media to a predetermined position in the conveying path and then collectively. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording device is discharged. 16. The plurality of transport paths are a main transport path provided with the recording unit, a plurality of loading paths for loading the recording medium into a loading section of the main transport path, and the recording medium being the main path. The discharge control means includes a carry-out path carried out from a carry-out section of the carrying path, and when the detection means detects a plurality of the residual recording media in the plurality of carry-in paths, The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein after being conveyed to a position near the carry-in section of the main conveyance path, it is collectively discharged from the discharge path. 17. The plurality of transport paths are a main transport path provided with the recording means, a plurality of loading paths for loading the recording medium into a loading part of the main transport path, and the recording medium being the main path. The discharge control means includes a carry-out path carried out from a carry-out section of the carrying path, and when the detection means detects a plurality of the residual recording media in the plurality of carry-in paths, The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the recording apparatus discharges at the same time. 18. The recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of carry-in paths are formed of separate units, and the discharge control unit is a system controller that system-controls the plurality of units.